In his final year on the gridiron, Gus Hogan will serve his biggest role ever for the Brownstown Central football program.
The Braves senior will quarterback the team in 2017 for the first time.
Hogan said he’s embracing his new role on the team and has anxiously awaited the start of the season.
“I like to be the guy the team depends on and look to for answers,” Hogan said. “I’m going to try and keep a level head and show good leadership.”
Hogan served as a slot receiver on offense last season for the Braves, scoring six touchdowns and converting one two-point conversion. He finished with 457 rushing yards on 59 attempts and 30 receiving yards.
On defense, Hogan also registered 47 tackles (11 solo) his junior season.
Hogan will return as the Braves’ left safety this fall.
The senior said he doesn’t have a preference to what side of the ball he’s on.
“I like running the ball, and I also like coming up on defense and hitting people,” Hogan said.
Beginning in the Brownstown’s 56ers program, Hogan has played organized football since the fifth grade.
He said he loves the program and sport, which is why he continued to play through the years.
“It’s a winning program,” Hogan said. “We have a great organization at Brownstown. Football has always been my favorite sport. I love the contact in the game and the teamwork. I love the brotherhood of it.”
Hogan has big expectations for the football season.
“I expect us to come together as a team,” Hogan said. “Every game, we’re going to go in with the mindset that we’re going to win and be successful. We need to do everything we can to help each other win ball games.”
He’s looking forward to putting on the pads tomorrow night against Corydon Central.
“I’m looking forward to just going out there,” Hogan said. “I haven’t really played in a game since the Lawrenceburg (semistate) game (in 2016). I’m ready to get back into it and get on the field with my teammates.”
In the spring, Hogan will return to the diamond.
Hogan played in the outfield for the Braves last season.
“I really like baseball, it’s a fun game,” Hogan said. “It’s America’s pastime. It’s a great tradition.”
Hogan said he has played baseball since he was 5.
This upcoming season, Hogan expects to play center field for the Braves.
“I’m fast, so I can get to the ball really quick,” Hogan said. “I can judge balls pretty well. I have a decent arm so I can get it into the infield.”
He also said he believes he will be towards the top, or middle, of the batting order.
“I love hitting,” Hogan said. “I look to hit the ball every pitch. If it’s not there, I don’t swing. If it is, I want to place it.”
Outside of athletics, Hogan said he enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends.
He said that after high school he’s leaning towards either going to college or joining the United States Marine Corps.
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What: Corydon Central (0-0) at Brownstown Central (0-0)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Radio: 96.3 WJAA
Where: Blevins Memorial Stadium
Most recent meeting: Brownstown Central won 59-29 on Oct. 14, 2016.
Series past 30 years: Brownstown Central 26-5.
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Name: Gus Hogan
School: Brownstown Central
Parents: Scott and Melissa Hogan
Siblings: Justin Lane, Jon Lane, Maggie Hogan
Sports: Football, four years; baseball, four years
Athletic highlights: Football — Two-time sectional champion, regional champions 2016.
Plans after high school: Undecided
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite TV show: “Blue Mountain State”
Favorite singer/musician: Justin Moore
Favorite movie: “Step Brothers”
Favorite team: Nebraska Cornhuskers
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